I work just a block from The Paramount (I can see it from our front door!). Feel free to PM me if you have any questions! This is a fairly safe neighborhood. I've worked here for 4 1/2 years and attend many evening events in the area. I've always felt safe and have never been threatened in any way.

If there is a BART station near your hotel in SF, I would suggest taking BART over for the concert. There is a BART station just outside of The Paramount. It's must easier then driving.

Maureen's info is seconded! The Bay Area Rapid Transit station is so ridiculously close to the Paramount, it would be a shame to cab it. The Paramount is a bit in the Uptown area, which is perfectly safe - and actually has my favorite bars and restaurants. Definitely try to grab a drink at Bar 355 or The Layover before or after the show!

I haven't been much to this area, even if I live appr. 50 miles South, but have friends who use BART on a regular basis. It's efficient and mostly safe way of getting around the Bay Area / some stations are better to avoid (Fruitvale is one often mentioned in bad news)/.
Among sites worth to see for those staying longer, there is an old, established Palm Grove not too far from the Paramount Theater, great collection of cool climate palms, accesible also via BART:http://gardensatlakemerritt.org/gardens/palm-garden/

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I'm with you on the walking to and from the show, Po. It is truly one of life's pleasures. The anticipation of going from hotel to show and getting a bite to eat or a drink while feeling this excitement is great. And the post-concert walk is far better than a post-concert drive or mass transit. After the show you feel as if you are floating home while still being immersed in UHTC magic while talking about your favorite moments with the people you are walking with. I've walked there and back in many concert cities and it is something I really enjoy.

The pre-show walk in Oakland is no problem. As in most large downtowns, there are a handful of nice bars and eateries and if your hotel is on the main drag you can walk straight down in an adequate atmosphere. Walking back to your hotel at midnight-- with the lovelY one?-- that's a much different story. Most of the cabs will be taken by the throngs who pour out immediately following the show. As you know, most forum members mill about talking to each other and come out to a much quieter street. Seattle? no problem. Portland-- even over the river back into the city-- likely event-free. But Oakland? Best of luck to you. Walk fast and be aware.

And lest you think this is just ol' Scocoh being paranoid, take a look at the crime over the last month in the exact area you will be walking in:

I'll be driving for sure.i called the double tree in Berkeley but was dismayed they don't have dis counts for military veterans but offered me the active duty rate and then said I need to provide active duty govt issued Id's lol

I then told them why they'd offer me that rate if veterans are not eligible.
Their response; " so I don't get confused when I get there". WTF? Lol

I'm eyeing the Sheraton now. Any other out of towners coming in to Oakland?